Sam Warburton could start Wales' RBS Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday as he prepares to make his comeback from injury.

Warburton, who has been sidelined for two months because of a shoulder problem, is currently on the replacements' bench with lock Alun-Wyn Jones taking over from him as captain.

But Racing Metro flanker Dan Lydiate left Wales' training base yesterday, flying back to Paris, where his fiancee is expecting the couple's first child.

If Lydiate is ruled out, then Warburton will be promoted to the starting line-up.

"Whether Dan Lydiate gets back for the game or not, we will play that one by ear and see what happens over the next few days," Wales coach Warren Gatland said.

"His fiancee has gone into labour. I have spoken to Dan and said to take a few days, and if he gets back on Thursday or even Friday we will be able to accommodate doing without him for a couple of days.

"We always stress with the squad about how important family is.

"I did speak to him to see if he wanted the weekend off and perhaps think about the following week, but he is adamant he wants to get back and play, so fingers-crossed it is not a false alarm and he has gone back to Paris for the birth of his child."

Wales skipper Warburton has not played since the autumn series finale against Australia on November 30, and Gatland's current plan is to ease him back off the bench.

But he would also have no qualms pitching Warburton straight into the Test arena when Wales begin their bid for an unprecedented hat-trick of Six Nations titles.

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